Andrea Bargnani For Josh Howard?

Total Pro Sports – Thanks to an inside source of the MLSE, the owners of the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Air Canada Center. They have confirmed reports that the Raptors have begun negotiations with the Dallas Mavericks. These negotiations have also been confirmed at Hoopsworld.com.

The deal being reported would send Josh Howard, Antoine Wright and DaSagna Diop to the Raptors for former first overall draft pick Andrea Bargnani and Anthony Parker to Dallas.

Josh Howard would fit nicely in the Toronto, with Bryan Colangelo’s uptempo type teams. A no brainer for the Raptors, especially considering they are in need of a small forward/shooting guard. The only part of this deal that does not make sense is why would the Dallas Mavericks be interested in Andrea Bargnani. A similar but underachieving version of Dirk Nowitzki who both play very little defense.

If it were my choice and had this deal on the table, I would definielty throw it out. I still have high hopes for Bargnani, and he seems to be improving under his new head coach. Over the last 4 games as a starter he’s averaging 21 points, 6.25 rebounds, and connecting on just over 50% of his field goals (12-21 from three).

The Mavericks killed themselves when they traded away Devin Harris and draft picks for the old man “Jason Kidd”. Now they are trying to find a quick solution for their mistake. If I’m the Raptors, I would play hardball and try to stay away from parting with Andrea Bargnani. Give this kid a couple more years he’ll be a 20 point, 10 rebound man no problem.